Track and Train – Again !

Training for senior members resumed at the track on Monday and above we see John Raby appearing out of the mist during the interval session The junior endurance group also recommenced training on the Welcombe Hills on Sunday, with groups of 5 plus a coach. Below are one such group. L to R : Lily-Mae Pagan, Rachel & Ewan Sparrow, Alfie Musk and Arthur Mansbridge. Oh Happy(ish) Day. This week training resumed at both the track and on the Wecombe Hills, with the necessary Covid restrictions being strictly adhered to. We have the latest of our age group coaching articles, this week it's Rob Minton on primarily the senior's. Lewis Byng was voted into 2nd place in the British Junior Male category in the prestigious annual Athletics Weekly Awards. Emma Bexson was doing what she does, running 26.2 miles very quickly and finally there are my exploits in the recent World Masters Virtual Challenge. Take Care Best Wishes David Jones Rob Minton. Over the last few weeks we have heard from various dedicated Age Group Leaders about the coaching structure within the club for our U11, U13 and U15 athletes. In future weeks we should hear about coaching for the Junior Endurance Group and also our Masters/Vets. This week it is the turn of Rob Minton to explain his role in coaching primarily our senior members and to echo Paul Bearman's earlier words, we find out how he has " kept the training environment a fun and enjoyable place to come to and not just for the physical benefits but also to enjoy the social element that the club promotes" Who are you and what is your role in your respective group in the Club? My name is Rob Minton and I have been a member of Stratford-upon-Avon Athletic Club for about 14 years now, which is a scary number now I've sat down and worked it out. Around three years after joining as a member a few up us were invited to apply for the role of Senior Endurance Coach and I was given the job. Within this role I provide coaching most Monday evenings across the year at the track and also two Wednesday evenings each month, which are mostly in the form of interval-based training. Over the years I've also had regular involvement in being team manager for various events such as the Cotswold Hilly 100, which is such a special event and I've also contributed to the set up and organisation of the open races the club puts on. Across the last couple of years it has been enjoyable and motivating for me to set up our own Coach to 5K Programme and to see people achieve things they never thought they could. Who are the coaches/helpers in your group? Sarah Bland is a fellow coach who also massively contributes to the club both from a coaching perspective but also all the things she does on the committee. We're also so fortunate to have people who…